Kathryn Zunno-Freaney is a skilled senior commercial litigator and trusted advisor with more than 20 years of experience managing complex, high-stakes disputes, investigations and risk across securities, fraud, contract, bankruptcy, false advertising and regulatory matters. This experience specifically involves many high-profile and crisis-sensitive investigations and disputes involving financial fraud, including ongoing representation of the Securities Investor Protection Act (SIPA) Trustee for the global liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC (BLMIS), as well as clients in significant securities-related government investigations—both in the U.S. and abroad.
Katie earns clients’ trust with her sound judgment, tactical advocacy, clear communication, practical solutions and collaborative leadership. In addition, having been integral to dozens of settlements and mediations with successful outcomes for her clients—including the recovery of hundreds of millions of dollars for fraud victims in the BLMIS liquidation—Katie is often called upon to negotiate and resolve disputes efficiently without the need for litigation.
Katie is dedicated to promoting inclusion and diversity in the legal profession and the continued development of more junior attorneys through her involvement in various initiatives across the firm, including acting as co-chair of the New York office Mentorship Committee for more than seven years, a member of the firm-wide Women’s Steering Committee, and an active member of the office’s Talent Engagement Forum, Women’s Talent Engagement Forum and Recruiting Committee during her more than 15 years with the firm.
Katie is also passionate about representing and otherwise serving the most marginalized members of the community through her various pro bono efforts representing transgender individuals, as well as many years of service to the Ali Forney Center, a New York City nonprofit dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless LGBTQ+ youth, including as a board and advisory board member.
In recognition of her distinguished legal skills and profound commitment to LGBTQ+ equality, Katie was named by The National LGBTQ+ Bar Association as one of its Best 40 LGBT Lawyers Under 40.
